FIRST 27 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 26.24 ft |
| LWL | 21.75 ft |
| Beam | 9.84 ft |
| Draft | 4.43 ft |
| Deep Keel | 5.5 ft(1.68 m) |
| Displacement | 5,291 lb |
| Ballast | 1,904.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 32.8 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.9 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 31.9 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.8 ft |
Engine
| Yanmar | 1GM109 hpSee all 53 parts → |
About the FIRST 27 (BENETEAU)
Sold in US as BENETEAU R/C 27. Some were delivered with a fractional rig or a taller masthead rig. FRACTIONAL SLOOP RIG: I: 32.80'/10.00m J: 10.90'/3.32m P: 31.90'/9.72m E: 9.80'/2.99m MASTHEAD TALL RIG: I: 36.80'/11.22m J: 10.00'/3.05m P: 32.20'/9.81m E: 9.50'/2.90m
Designed by André Mauric and built by Beneteau (FRA), the First 27 is a compact masthead sloop with a production run starting in 1978. With a displacement of 5291.0 lb and a beam of 9.84 ft, this vessel offers a comfortable ratio of 16.84, balancing stability with manageable size for coastal cruising.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for coastal cruisers and couples seeking a manageable, trailerable package that prioritizes interior comfort over extreme performance. Its dimensions and rigging make it accessible for single-handers or small crews looking for a low-maintenance entry into sailing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.26 and a fin keel, the First 27 is primarily designed for coastal and protected waters rather than extended offshore passages. Its relatively light displacement of 5291.0 lb and short LWL of 21.75 ft limit its seakeeping ability in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels from this era include the Beneteau First 23 and First 30, which share similar design philosophies and target markets. It also competes with the O'Day 23 and Pearson 23, offering similar beam and displacement characteristics for harbor and coastal use.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(4 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.3 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.4 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 5.5 | 5.3 |
| 60° | 3.5 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 5.6 | 5.7 | 5.8 | 5.8 | 5.8 | 5.7 |
| 75° | 3.6 | 4.7 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 6.0 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.2 |
| 90° | 3.5 | 4.6 | 5.4 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 110° | 3.4 | 4.6 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.7 |
| 120° | 3.2 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 |
| 135° | 2.9 | 4.1 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 7.2 | 7.7 |
| 150° | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.6 |
| Beat VMG | 2.1 | 2.9 | 3.4 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.6 | 3.4 |
| Run VMG | 2.1 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 27 (BENETEAU) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 26.24ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
24 reported issues across 9 systems for the FIRST 27 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 27 (BENETEAU)? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 24 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 27 (BENETEAU)
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